At 40 years old and in his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James just delivered one of the most impressive campaigns of his career and Lakers fans are making sure the world takes notice.
James averaged 24.6 points, 8.4 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 51.2% from the field, leading the Lakers to a 50-32 record and their first 50-win season since 2020. The performance helped the team secure the third seed in the Western Conference.
But while the team’s playoff run was cut short, fans were more focused on how James fared in MVP voting.
MVP Results Spark Fan Debate
When the NBA announced the 2024–25 MVP winner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder took home the award, with Nikola Jokic finishing second and Giannis Antetokounmpo third. LeBron came in sixth, earning one fourth-place vote and 13 fifth-place votes.
Lakers fans didn’t hold back their thoughts online:
“Not bad for a 40 year old,” one fan posted, summing up the general tone of respect.
“And there’s ‘Lakers’ that think the team would be better off without him smh.”
“Can’t imagine him finishing outside the top 5 if he didn’t have the groin injury… this probably means All-NBA Second Team.”
“Impressive honestly.”
Others took the moment to question why some fans or analysts are even talking about retirement:
“Why would he even think about retiring now?”
“Crazy part is he was a guaranteed top 3 candidate before the injury.”
“Yet there are actual people begging an All-NBA 2nd Team player to sign a $20M contract.”
“And some fans want to move on from him for a misery of cap space lol.”
What’s Next for LeBron?
Despite whispers about retirement, all signs point to LeBron returning for a 23rd NBA season. With his performance in 2024–25 proving he’s still one of the game’s elite, fans and analysts alike are starting to believe he’s not done yet.
Whether or not he adds another MVP or championship to his resume, LeBron James is still a force, and Lakers Nation knows it.